St. Petersburg: The City

After we arrived at our hostel, we took off to explore the city. Our hostel was located in a great location. We were in walking distance to everything we wanted to do. For example, it was a 15 minute walk to the Hermitage (Winter Palace), 10 minute walk to the Church of Spilled Blood, and right outside our balcony we could see the canal. So all we did was walk and soaked in all that are walk had to offer!

Eventually, we came to the Winter Palace. As we got closer, we were surrounded by all branches of the Russian military. At this moment, I have to remind you that there were 2 Americans, a Swede, and a Britain in our group. Initially, the Americans became rather nervous while the Swede and the Britain were snapping away with their cameras! Leave it to the Americans to become the nervous recks that something bad could happen!! I can't begin to describe how uncomfortable I became. I, and the other American, truly just wanted to leave the Winter Palace square. We had the mentality that the Russian military would/could just snatch you up and no would say anything. Granted this wouldn't happen, but none the less the thought did go through my mind. In the end we stayed and watched the military practice their march for Victory Day, May 9.

On Saturday, we went to the Heritage Museum . The Hermitage (Winter Palace) is the former residence of the last Tsar, Nicholas Romanov II. The Hermitage is now used as museum of art and culture. The museum holds 3 million pieces of artwork ranging from Egyptian pieces to Rembrandt to film. However, for me, I truly enjoyed the extravagance of the Palace. It was absolutely mesmerizing the rich colors, the intricate artwork of the walls, and architecture. I spent all day (8 hours) at the Hermitage because it was so fascinating!

Then on Sunday, we all split up and did our own thing before we had to catch the train back home. I choose to visit the Russian State Museum that features Russian art, because the Hermitage lacked any substantial Russian art. I found Russian art to be dark, yet realistic, in that it did represent Russia. For example, a painting could be dark and menacing while another painting could be colorful with simple-natural colors. Russian artists captured the realism that defines who Russia is all about through different periods such as Avant-Garde, Realism, Soviet Art, and drawings.